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Ornithogalum (Star of Bethlehem)

Star of Bethlehem, Orange Star Flower, Sun Star, Chinkerinchee, Geeltjienkerientjee, Snake Flower, Drooping Star of Bethlehem

Ornithogalum, Star of Bethlehem, Orange Star Flower, Sun Star, Chinkerinchee, Geeltjienkerientjee, Snake Flower, Drooping Star of Bethlehem, ornithogalum nutans, ornithogalum arabicum, ornithogalum thyrsoides
Ornithogalum, Star of Bethlehem
Ornithogalum, Star of Bethlehem

Ornithogalum: Graceful bulbous perennials known as Star-of-Bethlehem or Chincherinchee, boasting exquisite star-shaped flowers in a range of colors, adding elegance to gardens and floral arrangements.

What is Star of Bethlehem?

Ornithogalum, commonly known as Star of Bethlehem, is a genus of perennial plants native to southern Europe and southern Africa.

Description: Ornithogalum species are characterized by their striking white, star-shaped flowers. They have a central green stripe on the outer petals and a faintly sweet scent.

Growth Habit & Size: Ornithogalums have a clump-forming growth habit. Depending on the species, they range from 2 inches (5 cm) to 24 inches (60 cm) in height and spread.

Flowers: The flowers are usually white, star-shaped, and borne in racemes or clusters. Each flower has six petals, often with a green or silvery reverse.

Foliage: The leaves of Ornithogalum are generally linear or lance-shaped, green, and arranged in a basal rosette. Some species have leaves with a silvery stripe down the middle.

Blooming Season: Most Ornithogalum species bloom in late spring to early summer, though the timing can vary depending on the species and climate.

Hardiness: The hardiness of Ornithogalum depends on the species. Many are hardy in USDA zones 4-11. Most of the European species tolerate moderate frosts, whereas the South African species are frost tender and may need to be lifted for winter.

Uses: Ornithogalum is often used in gardens for its striking, star-shaped flowers. It can be used in borders, containers, rock gardens, or as a cut flower. The flowers are long-lasting when cut (1-3 weeks), making them a great choice for vases.

Pollinators: The sweet scent and bright flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

Toxicity: All parts of Ornithogalum plants are toxic if ingested, and can cause skin irritation on contact. They should be handled with care and kept away from pets and children.

Deer and Rabbit: Ornithogalum is usually resistant to deer and rabbits due to its toxicity.

Drought: Once established, many Ornithogalum species are moderately drought-tolerant.

Invasiveness: They usually are great naturalizers and gleefully multiply to quickly form small colonies. Some species of Ornithogalum, such as O. umbellatum, can be invasive in certain conditions. They can spread by both seeds and bulbs, and can be difficult to remove once established.
Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 11
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Genus Ornithogalum
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Late), Summer (Early, Mid), Winter
Height 2" - 2' (5cm - 60cm)
Spread 2" - 2' (5cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies

Most Popular Ornithogalum Species

Why Should I Grow Star of Bethlehem?

Growing Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum) in your garden can bring several benefits:

Unique Aesthetic: The star-shaped, pristine white flowers of Star of Bethlehem can add a unique aesthetic appeal to your garden. The green stripes at the back of the petals add an interesting contrast, particularly when viewed from below.

Long-lasting Blooms: The flowers of Star of Bethlehem have a long blooming period, often lasting for several weeks. This provides an extended period of color and interest in your garden.

Easy Maintenance: Ornithogalum species are generally easy to care for, making them a great choice for novice gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance plants.

Versatility: Star of Bethlehem is suitable for a variety of garden designs. It can be used in borders, rock gardens, containers, or as a cut flower. The flowers also make beautiful additions to floral arrangements.

Drought Resistance: Once established, many species of Star of Bethlehem are relatively drought-tolerant, making them suitable for gardens in drier climates.

Attracts Pollinators: The sweet scent and bright white flowers of the Star of Bethlehem attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity of your garden.

Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Thanks to their toxicity, Ornithogalums are typically resistant to grazing by deer and rabbits.

Do consider that Star of Bethlehem is toxic if ingested and can cause skin irritation. Therefore, it should be kept out of reach of children and pets, and handled with care. In some regions, it can be invasive, so appropriate measures should be taken to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably.

Garden Design with Star of Bethlehem

Designing a garden with Star of Bethlehem, can create an enchanting landscape thanks to its pristine white, star-shaped flowers. Here are a few design ideas:

Mixed Borders: Ornithogalum’s unique star-shaped flowers add a striking contrast when planted with other perennial plants in mixed borders. Consider pairing them with plants that have different flower shapes, like spherical Alliums, spiky Salvia, or bell-shaped Campanulas.

Rock Gardens: The smaller species of Ornithogalum can be a beautiful addition to a rock garden. The contrast of the soft, bright flowers against hard, dark rocks can create a visually stunning effect.

Containers: Ornithogalum can be planted in containers, either alone or mixed with other plants. A pot of Star of Bethlehem can make a stunning patio centerpiece during its bloom period. Combine them with trailing plants for a varied arrangement.

Cut Flower Gardens: Due to their long vase life, Ornithogalums are an excellent choice for cut flower gardens. Plant them in large groups to ensure a good supply of cut flowers throughout the season.

Underplanting: The taller species of Ornithogalum can be used as underplanting for deciduous shrubs and trees. Their late spring bloom time coincides with the leafing out of many shrubs, providing a beautiful layered effect.

Naturalized Areas: Some species can naturalize under the right conditions. They can be used to provide spring color in lawns, meadows, or woodland edges.

While designing, remember that Ornithogalum is toxic and can be invasive in certain conditions. Keep the plants away from areas accessed by pets or children, and take measures to control their spread if necessary.

Companion Plants

Choosing companion plants for Star of Bethlehem, involves considering plants that complement their unique star-shaped flowers and bloom in late spring to early summer. Here are a few suggestions:

Alliums: The spherical flower heads of Alliums contrast nicely with the star-shaped Ornithogalum. They bloom around the same time, creating a beautiful layered effect.

Narcissi (Daffodil): Both daffodils and Ornithogalum bloom in the spring. This can create a vibrant and colorful display in your garden during this season.

Campanula (Bellflowers): With their bell-shaped flowers, Campanulas provide a nice contrast in shape to Ornithogalum. Plus, many Campanulas have a similar bloom time, adding more depth to the garden.

Salvia: Salvia’s spiky flower heads and often blue or purple flowers contrast well with Ornithogalum’s shape and color. They can also help to extend the flowering season in your garden.

Geraniums (Cranesbill): Hardy geraniums, with their lovely blue, pink, or white flowers, make a beautiful ground cover that can complement the taller Ornithogalum.

Roses: Roses can provide a beautiful backdrop for the delicate, star-like Ornithogalum. The flowers of many roses will also be in full swing as the Ornithogalum blooms.

Grasses: Ornamental grasses can provide an interesting contrast in both texture and form. Their often neutral tones can make the white of the Ornithogalum stand out.

Remember, all these plants should ideally thrive in similar conditions as Ornithogalum – that is, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. As always, consider the specific needs of your garden and local environment when choosing companion plants.

Companion Plants for Ornithogalum

Hardy Geraniums (Cranesbill)
Allium (Ornamental Onion)
Salvia (Sage)
Campanula persicifolia (Peach-Leaved Bellflower)
Rosa (Rose)
Narcissi (Daffodils)

Growing Tips

Growing Ornithogalum can be a rewarding endeavor, thanks to its striking white flowers. Here are the general steps for growing Ornithogalum:

Choose the Right Location: Ornithogalum thrives in a location with full sun to partial shade. The soil should be light and well-draining, as the bulbs can rot in waterlogged conditions.

Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil in your chosen location to about 12 to 15 inches (30-37 cm) deep. Amend it with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve fertility and drainage.

Plant the Bulbs: Plant Ornithogalum bulbs in the fall, placing them about 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) deep and about 4-6 (10-15 cm) inches apart. The pointed end of the bulb should be facing upwards.

Watering: After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly. During the growing season, maintain moderate moisture levels. The plants can tolerate some drought once established, but it’s best to avoid letting the soil dry out completely.

Maintenance: Deadhead spent flowers to prevent self-seeding, especially if invasiveness is a concern. At the end of the growing season, you can leave the foliage in place until it yellows and dies back naturally, as it’s during this period that the plant gathers energy for the next year’s bloom.

Propagation: Ornithogalum can be propagated by dividing the bulbs in early fall. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth as before.

Remember, Ornithogalum can be invasive in some areas, so it might be necessary to take measures to control its spread. It’s also worth noting that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, so keep it away from children and pets.

Discover other attractive flower bulbs

Scilla Varieties
Ipheion (Spring Starflower)
Lycoris (Spider Lily)
Allium (Ornamental Onion)
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)
Hyacinthus orientalis (Dutch Hyacinth)
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 4 - 11
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Genus Ornithogalum
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Late), Summer (Early, Mid), Winter
Height 2" - 2' (5cm - 60cm)
Spread 2" - 2' (5cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Compare All Ornithogalum (Star of Bethlehem)
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